Christian Bale Calls Family Dispute a 'Deeply Personal Matter'

Addressing reporters Thursday, Christian Bale spoke only briefly about his recent arrest in connection to an assault allegation filed by his mother and sister.

"It's a deeply personal matter," the Dark Knight star, 34, said at at a press conference for the movie in Barcelona, Spain. "I would ask you to respect my privacy in the matter."

Bale spent four hours in a London police station on Tuesday and was released pending further inquiry. He denies the allegations and cooperated voluntarily, according to a statement released by his lawyers.

On Wednesday, he walked the red carpet in Barcelona for his film's Spanish premiere with wife Sibi, signing autographs and posing for photos with fans but avoiding reporters.

The controversy hasn't hurt The Dark Knight's record-setting success: After scoring the biggest opening weekend in Hollywood history, taking in $158.3 million, it has since become the fastest movie to top $200 million in U.S. box office history.